(Kyran's POV)

I was seething. Phone poised in my hand, I called my mother, ready to last her ear off.

"Hey, Kyran ---

I didn't let her finish, "Mommy, how could you do this to me? Why in el nombre de los dios would you send Josh? Que es la problema con the other guardians? Why can't I have someone else? Anyone else would be better than Josh."

"Kyran, this is not optional. You and Josh may not always see eye to eye, but ultimately he is the best choice. With his genetics, he's netter and stronger than any Dhampir. Joshua is your trainer and that's that."

"Tu abes que I'm afraid of tu papa? Calling him ain't gonna do a thing 'cause we made the decision together."

"I know that. I'm just gonna call him so I can yell at him too." I hung up on her before she could get another word in. next up was my father. Although my father spoke English, I usually spoke to him in Turkish. It was mostly a precaution. He picked up and cut me off before I could speak.

"I take it Josh showed up."

"How could you do this to me?"

"Kyranyetta, it's for your own good. No more arguments. I've got to go. I love you."

Knowing me so well, my dad hung up before I could keep arguing. I went back to mumbling in Spanish and Turkish as I walked off. I felt a hand grab me and instantly knew it as Josh's. I turned and snatched my arm away.

"Don't touch me."

"Listen, I'm not too thrilled about this either. You're father made me a great offer, and I'm talking about more than just money. We both have to bear through this, so stop being a brat and get over it."

"Goodbye Josh."

"See you later your Royal brattiness!" he called after me.

I heard hurried footsteps and a flirtatious "Hi" being exchanged between the girls and Josh. Suddenly, Rose and Lissa were on either side of me. They looped their arms through mine.

"Let me guess. That's your hot Dhampir ex that you had a bad break up with." Rose said.

"As if. Joshua Hunter has no chance with me. He's never liked me, causing me not to like him. And apparently I'm stuck seeing him everyday now. I hate y parents."

"Trust me. We all got that feeling around here." Rose reassured me, "Parents can be sucky; but who else is gonna give you money and spoil you --- not that mine ever do that for me."

I smiled at hardcore Rose trying to emphasize with me.

"Come on. Let's head to Adrian's room and see if we can get the guys to cater to us." Lissa giggled.

Once we reached Adrian's room I realized it was right next door to mine. I decided not to mention that quite yet. Eddie and I sat on Adrian's chair while the others worked. We watched Rose attempt to fight and block attacks on Lissa while in Lissa's head. Christian practiced his offensive fire magic, and offered to show me a few spells. I picked them up quickly before showing him tricks of my own. They were all very surprised to find another Moroi, outside the academy, that practiced offensive magic.

"So which rebellious parent taught you your offense?" Christian asked.

"Both, actually. They're big on me and my brother knowing as much as possible about our magic and being able to defend ourselves."

"I wish all Morois would think like your family."

I didn't plan on mentioning that my mother was actually a Dhampir. Right now I was reveling in the fact that I had been accepted into this circle of friends. This just made getting what I needed to get out of here that much easier.

"So can I see the famous Strigoi killer battle it out with another Dhampir?"

"I'm sure you've seen Dhampirs fight." Adrian insisted.

"Yeah, but not any that have killed countless Strigoi in two months before even graduating."

"There is no way I'm fighting Rose. She'll put me to shame."

"But isn't that how you get better? Fighting the best there is?"

"True. Ok. Next Saturday I promise you a show down with Rose."

"Oh great," Lissa groaned, "Violence; just what every girl needs in her life."

"Money. Violence. Cute boys. What more could a girl ask for?" I joked.

"Um…diamonds?"

"Yeah right. Rose Hathaway wearing diamonds? I don't think so."

"Shut up Eddie. In case you forgot, I am a girl."

"If anyone knows it's Adrian." Christian joked, earning him a smack in either arm from both Lissa and Rose. We spent the next few hours joking around like that. When it got pretty late --- like hours past the twelve o'clock curfew --- I realized I still had to unpack. The others had ulterior motives for needing a few hours of rest; Church.

"So are we gonna see you at service tomorrow?" Rose asked.

"Church. I forgot all about that. What time is it?

"From ten thirty to one thirty." Lissa said.

I groaned, "Early hours."

"Don't worry. I'm not the biggest fan of church either." Rose said.

"Rose isn't the biggest believer." Christian said.

"I guess I'll be there. Just don't expect me to be on time." I said.

Adrian guided us all to the door. He kissed Rose goodbye before letting her scurry off with Lissa, Christian, and Eddie. I have Adrian a wave as he shut his door. Before I could even grip the handle on mine, a strong force pulled me around. Josh gripped both my shoulders and pinned me to the door. Although I was super strong, even for a vampire, my strength didn't even compare to Josh's.

"What?" I growled at him.

"Listen, the next few months are gonna be hell for both of us. I don't want any trouble from you. Let's just get what we have to get done so we can move on."

"I don't know who you think you are, but I don't take orders."

He let out a primal sound.

"You don't scare me." I jerked out of his touch and stepped backwards into my room, "Goodnight."

I heard him mumbling under his breath as I slammed the door in his face. Normally, I though there was no way that boy could make me hate him more, but he always found a way to prove me wrong. And what's worst is that the brat clouded my minds as I did a little more unpacking before crashing on the carpet again.

(Rose POV)

I sat in my room after parting ways with Eddie, Lissa, and Christian. I'd never thought life could be so easy and uncomplicated. I had great friends, decent grades, a killer rep, and a guy that adored me. I knew my life wasn't gonna stay charmed forever. Graduation marked the date of a new journey. I'd promised that I wouldn't run away for the next two and a half months, and I expected to keep good on that promise.

Besides, I could leave drama up to the new kids. Kyran may be a bit mysterious, but she was so much fun. She kind of reminded me of me in my more reckless days --- not that I wasn't still reckless now. She had the body of a Dhampir, but the goddess like perfection of a Moroi. And speaking of Dhampirs, that new Josh guy is hot. I mean scorching. With looks like that I can't imagine anyone being able to hate him, but Kyran sure found a way. Oh well. Not my drama.

After changing my clothes and brushing my teeth, I fell onto my bed. The softness of the pillows soothed me. Next thing I knew I was out cold.

*************

I woke the next morning at nine thirty. Church was mostly my way to see Lissa. Christian went to be with Lissa, and to reduce the thoughts that he would turn Strigoi. Adrian went for show as well, and for me. Everyone else went because most of our families were Christian or Orthodox. But getting up early on a Sunday morning was still a drag.

Normally, I tried to remain modest when dressing in church clothes. A knee length black skirt that wasn't too tight, a red blouse, and black one inch heels did the trick. I pulled my hair up and headed to meet Lissa and the others in the lobby.

Adrian was in a black suit, Christian in a black shirt and pants set, Eddie in black and white, and Lissa shining in a knee length black dress that I could never fit in. Her hair was curled a bit and her heels were an inch higher than mine, and way more expensive. It didn't matter. We all looked great. Adrian extended his arms in a sign for me to walk into them. I slid into his strong arms and gave him a quick kiss. After the greeting we set off for church. We sat together as usual, not too far but not too close either. The organist began to play as we all rose.

(Kyran POV)

I woke up around ten. Once I got into the shower I almost had to force myself out. The hot water definitely woke me up. I grabbed a granola bar from my mini fridge and started getting dressed. I wore a high waist pencil skirt, and a silky short sleeved hot pink blouse tucked into the skirt. I undid a couple buttons, and showed my silver heart necklace from my father and the large pink amulet that all the women in my mother's family wore.

I put my hair into a long braid, one curly strand refusing to get out of my face. I rubbed pink gloss on my lips, and slipped on my matching pink stiletto pumps before hurrying through the door. I had to run back for my cell phone and a sliver bracelet, before I started on my way to the chapel.

I was very much late. The priest was already giving his sermon when I strolled in at twelve thirty. I made as little noise as possible as I slipped into a bench in the back. I scanned around for Rose and the others. I found her eyes scouting for me, and she offered me a warm smile before returning her attention to the service. I leaned back and began absentmindedly toying with my bracelet. I was so spaced that I jumped when someone called to me.

"You're kind of in my seat."

I turned, ready to apologize until I saw that it was Josh speaking. Of all the people, it would have to be him. I rolled my eyes and scooted over, assuming that this was a punishment from God for me being late. I tried to zone out, playing with the bracelet again. I felt Josh's breath on my neck as he leaned down toward my ear.

"You've still got that fidgeting habit."

"What are you talking about?"

"You're playing with your bracelet. You hate sitting still so you get antsy. You play with your jewelry, or over apply lip gloss, or mess with your nails."

Wow. This boy was observant, "What are you, stalking me now?"

"Only in your dreams. Oh wait. That's supposed to be your trick isn't it."

"Don't go there with me, mutt. No one here knows. They think I've specialized in fire and only fire. Don't you dare say anything." I said. We were speaking so low that only our hypersensitive ears could hear.

"Don't worry my little Moroi. I wouldn't tell a soul. You're not the only one with a secret. You don't tell mine and I won't tell yours."

"Why would I even talk about you?"

"'Cause you just can't get enough of me; and you know you love hearing my name."

I nudged hum away as he silently laughed at his joke. I crossed my arms and brooded until service was over. I tuned to leave; but before he let me get out Josh turned to me, "See you tomorrow, bright and early."

Then he grinned and stalked away, waving to my friends as they approached me.

"What was that lovely little exchange about?" Rose asked.

"Nothing fun. I swear my mother is out to get me. She knew who was coming here and she had no intention on telling me."

"What is the deal with you and Josh, anyhow?" Adrian asked.

"Creative differences." I said evasively,
I'm hungry. Can we go get something to eat?"

"I concur."

The six of us left the church and made our way to the dining hall. After going with the Moroi to get blood, we got in line with Rose and Eddie to get food. I loaded up with steak and pork. One thing my brother, Josh and I had in common was our constant cravings for meat. It was the only other hunger craving that was as strong as my bloodlust. I grabbed a burger and some fries, then went to sit.

"Whoa. You weren't kidding about being hungry." Christian said.

"How is all of that going to fit into that tiny waist of yours?" Adrian inquired.

"I've always eaten like this."

"And we can clearly see where it all ends up." He joked, referring to my chest and my butt. I cut him a look as Rose smacked his arm, "What?! It's not like it isn't true."

She hit him again.

"The best choice would be for you to shut up." Christian told Adrian.

True to my word, I scarfed down everything on my plate. I didn't really eat a lot. I also didn't regularly drink blood. But when I did, I pigged out. Usually my brother tried to knock that habit out of me, because not eating and feeding made me weak, lightheaded, and violent. If he were here he would've yelled at me for this.

There was a commotion at the door that drew the room's attention. We all watched as Josh strolled in with a loud group of Moroi and Dhampir boys. I assumed those were the "cool kids".

"He sure didn't waste any time making those kind of friends." I mumbled.

Josh and I watched each other while we remained in the Café. We sent glares across the room. I hurriedly finished my food and suggested that we go elsewhere. I wanted as much time away from Josh as possible before I had to spend every morning and afternoon with him until graduation.

*************

Skipping my sessions with Josh wasn't an option. My father finding out would result in him cutting back my charmed life. I lose credit cards, my phone, and any freedom that he could take away. But I could --- and would --- make him wait. Punctuality was not a specialty of mine. In fact, I was an expert at just the opposite.

I took my sweet time getting ready. It took forever for me to decide what to wear. Then I had to pack my bag so I could change and figure out how I was going to make the transition from practice to class and then back to practice. I finally decided on a maroon sweat suit with a maroon tank underneath, and black boots so I wouldn't have to carry an extra pair of shoes.

Although lip gloss wasn't necessary, it was such a natural part of my dressing process. I put some on before throwing it in my bag. I swung the bag over my shoulder, and then made my way to the school's gym. Luckily, it was an hour and a half before anyone would even consider getting up, so I was safe. As I entered the gym I threw my bag against a wall and approached Josh. He got up from the floor and began fussing.

"You're late."

"Yeah, well, this kind of beauty had to be admired and upheld. And since even God isn't up this early to see it, I had to pay proper attention to myself." I said while tying up my hair.

"Let me make myself clear. I am not dealing with this crap. This is not what I'm here for. So from no on get here on time." He growled. I considered giving him a smart comment, but decided against it when I noticed the look in his eyes. As strong as I was I would never match Josh's strength. The only people that could would be Strigoi.

"Let's just get this over with."

I placed myself directly in front of him, almost challenging him with my stance. I had my game face on, daring him to touch me. Instead of fighting, Josh ordered me to a work out.

"100 pull ups. Now."

With my super strength that was nothing to me. Neither were the seemingly endless push ups and sit ups. Though I wasn't as strong as Josh or those like him, I was still pretty close to it. That's why Josh worked me into the ground. He made me exercise until I broke a sweat, which most people never accomplished.

"Now I want you to run. Your physical skills are great, now I need to check your agility and endurance. Outside; ten laps around the school."

"When are we gonna fight. I'm tired of all this crap. I feel like I'm in a P.E. class."

"You wanna fight? Fine. Show me what you got."

My first mistake was charging after him. I knew better than to attack first. It was just something about the way he spoke back to me that clouded my judgment. Josh blocked and threw me like it was nothing. I hopped up just in time to block his fists. He landed a couple blows, but, for the most part, I blocked well enough. That was until he aimed for my face.

"Not the face!" I shrieked while crouching away.

"Are you….are you kidding me? Is this how the old trainer handled you? Letting you get away with slacking off and easy fighting?"

"Yes. Bruises on my arms and legs I can hide. I can't explain marks on my face."

"You don't wanna explain marks on your face?" when I nodded, he gripped my hair and slammed my face into his knee, "Then learn to bock."

He hadn't hit me as hard as he could've, but my face ached. On top of that, my nose as bleeding and so was my lip. I knew I'd have a black eye as well. Anger caused me to forget which of us was stronger and I attacked him. Hands on his throat, I thought I had the upper hand. He knocked me off, got on top, and held me down.

"Don't forget which of us has the power."

"And don't forget which of us is a guy," I said while bringing my knee up. He stopped it with his hands. I surprised him by gripping his manhood with my hand instead, and squeezing hard. He was in enough pain that I rolled him off me, and stood up.

"I'm also smarter." I gloated.

It took Josh a moment to recover. Once he did, the look on his face wasn't at all pleasant or inviting. I'll admit I felt a twinge of fear, but pride and attitude quickly replaced it.

"Laps. Outside. Now." he spat through gritted teeth.

This time I made no fuss about it. Josh and I ventured outside. I made sure to watch my back in case he tried to retaliate. When we got outside I stretched and got my muscles loose for the run.

"Ten laps right?"

"No. Keep up with me until I say to stop. Now go."

Without warning Josh took off. It took me only a second to react. Once I started to catch up he stopped taking it easy and kicked in his full speed. That meant I had to step it up. We both ran at full speed. Running was something that I was good at. I held my own and stayed within a good distance of Josh. We would've looked like passing blurs to anyone who saw us; unidentifiable.

We ran for a half an hour. I called out to Josh that I had class. I knew he could hear me even if I whispered, he just chose to ignore me. He was mad, I got that; but he didn't need to take it out on my education. Finally, though, the jerk let up. I assumed it was only because he had run all his anger out and was now calm. We stopped in front of the gym.

"Don't be late to the afternoon practice." He said before walking away from me. I guessed he preferred to shower in his own room in the guest building rather than to be stuck near me for one another minute. He didn't care about being late. Thanks to Josh, I'd be late too, because I was not gonna rush my shower. Oh well. The teachers can get over it.